The Castletown Metropolitan Silver Band led tributes to Willie Kneale BEM.

Mr Kneale was well-known in the community and earned recognition from the Queen for his commitment to ex-service communities.

The band said: ’Willie was a model bandsmen and fiercely loyal to CMSB. Music ran in his blood.

’In his role as compere he brought joy to thousands of people over the years.

’The good of the band came first to Willie. He leaves a gap that simply can’t be replaced.’

Former MHK David Cretney added to the chorus of voices paying tribute to the former serviceman, who completed National Service from 1952 when he was drafted to Germany to help protect the country from the threat of the Russians.

In an extended statement posted to his Facebook page, Mr Cretney said: ’Willie always stuck up for the underdog all his life helping others less fortunate and he was made a life member of the Manx Labour Party at our annual conference last year. He said to me how proud his father would have been.

’Together with Eveline Lee and a few others he established the Hillside Social Club over 40 years ago and it is so important to me that I was able to take him to see Eveline only a few short weeks ago.

’He was involved with the establishment of junior football on our island, he had a long association and love of Castletown metropolitan silver band, we "Hunted the wren" together, he was on the veterans agency and the committee of Armed Forces day, we fought together on the issue of the over 75s TV license and care for the elderly in nursing and residential homes and so much more.

’Willie was a proud member of the Royal Artillery where he served not only in his National Service but as an enthusiastic, long serving and hard working member of the local branch going on to be one of only three persons to be awarded the prestigious RAA Gold medal for his work and also the BEM for his services to the local and service community on the island.

’He was a renowned funny story teller particularly remembered from band concerts where he was the compère but any opportunity would do!’

He added: ’Almost five years ago Willie lost the love of his life and I think it’s fair to say he never recovered from the loss of his lovely wife Joan. They had been married just short of 60 years.

’He was very grateful for all the help his neighbours gave when his health deteriorated and this replicated his support for so many over so long.

’In our last conversation Willie said to me when you are young you want to live forever but when you get older and your health fails it’s not quite the same. I think the time had come and he was ready to be with his life long companion Joan.

’My sincere thoughts are with his daughter Janette who he spoke to on a daily basis, his sister and immediate family and friends. I will miss him very much. A proud Manxman loved by many.’